Amanda - I would say do lots of searching for threads or info on Marathon Des Sables - it's probably going to be the closest event information wise, although I don't know the specifics of kit etc for your race.

Other than that, I would think you're going to need to do lots of acclimatisation to deal with the heat - which isn't going to be that easy in winter in East Anglia!

Running at Sunny Hunny on the beach might help? Get used to sand etc, different textures - plus it will strengthen your ankles.

I think there are a lot of stories about how people acclimatise before heading out to a desert race, a hot or cold one. I am sure people have had success with them as well. Personally I would work hard on the areas I know I can given the environment I am training in. i.e : What distance will you need to be covering? Make your training relevent to that.How hilly is the terrain/What is it like underfoot? Train on the closest terrain you can get to the race.Is it multiday? if so lots of back to back runs.Any specific kit to carry/wear? I would imagine yes, so get used to wearing/carrying it.If it is multiday what food is available overnight? Get used to eating it!

so...run up and down Bournmouth beach day and night,wearing a lot of clothes in the day in the sun to get hot and totally nakey at night to get used to cold, eat continually and run over lots of sandcastles to get used to the hilly bit whilst carrying a shovel and as many packs of mountain freeze dried meals as you can and wearing gaiters .sorted.

Have been checking out mds forums. Backpack now ordered and trainers so waiting patiently ( read jumping up and down waiting
For the postman) for them to arrive.
Am planning on doing long run with threshold to finish of a. Saturday and then two runs on a Sunday I am also doing the insanity programme as part of my training I am about to start month two and can really see the benefits.

Oooh, new kit = exciting!!! You can't leave it at that though, we need makes, models, why you've chosen them (even if it's just the colour!!)

Come on over to the Wannabe Ultra Runner Thread started by Lou - most of us on there have finished an ultra or two (or three, or four, or...well, you get the idea!) but it's still a lighthearted and helpful thread for all ultrarunners to natter on...

Previously bookmarked threads are now visible in "Followed Threads". You can also manage notifications on these threads from the "Forum Settings" section of your profile settings page to prevent being sent an email when a reply is made.

Runner's World is a publication of Hearst Magazines UK which is the trading name of The National Magazine Company Ltd, 72 Broadwick Street, London, W1F 9EP. Registered in England 112955. All rights reserved. Runner's World, Part of the Hearst UK wellbeing network